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Promoting Health Literacy Through Easy-to-Read Materials

(formerly Easy-to-Read Health and Wellness Material for Consumers)

Abstract

Learn in a hands-on environment--in the large group and break-out groups, to critique, rewrite and create materials that get your health and wellness information across quickly and clearly. We'll review the disconnect between information providers and information seekers, the process of educating adults, the success of "plain language" initiatives and the importance of text, type, graphics, space and layout. In this workshop you will also be provided brochure examples, SMOG and REALM tests, a webliography and links to other training. During the workshop you will edit pieces so that at the conclusion you'll have new awareness, new skills, a new product and access to further resources. Clear health communication is the goal, regardless of medium.

Objectives

At the conclusion of the class, participants will be able to:

• Define the behavioral objective(s) of the material.
• Determine the key information points the reader needs to achieve the behavioral objective(s).
• Select the most appropriate presentation method(s) (e.g., audio, audiovisual, print, interactive, computer instruction).
• Decide on the reading level for the material and organize topics in the way the person will use them.
• Implement the key principles of effective print materials using appropriate content, style, layout, visuals, and readability.

Class Materials

• Agenda
• Handout
• PowerPoint Presentation (7 mb, rev: Jul 16, 2010)

Continuing Education

Upon successful completion of this class each participant will receive 4 hours of continuing education credit awarded by the Medical Library Association.

Instructors

New England Region

Michelle Eberle, Consumer Health Information Coordinator, Michelle.Eberle@umassmed.edu, 508-856-2435

Pacific Northwest Region

Gail Kouame, Consumer Health Outreach Coordinator, gmarie@u.washington.edu, 206-221-3449

South Central Region

Cheryl Rowan, Public Health Coordinator, cheryl.rowan@exch.library.tmc.edu, 713-799-7107

Southeastern Atlantic Region

Terri Ottosen, Consumer Health Coordinator, tottosen@hshsl.umaryland.edu, 410-706-2855

Nancy Patterson, Community Outreach Coordinator, npatters@hshsl.umaryland.edu, 410-706-2855

Update Author

Cheryl Rowan, Public Health Outreach Coordinator, NN/LM South Central Region

Original Author

Beth Wescott, former Network Access Coordinator, NN/LM Southeast/Atlantic Region